Texts>Ancient Pagan Symbols

The meaning attached to the crux ansata-also implied by the simpler cross-is "Life to Come." The Cross has lent itself to a great variety of formsthe Greek cross, the Latin cross, the Maltese cross, etc.-and to almost as many interpretations. It has been called the cosmic symbol of the four quarters of the earth, or the four cardinal points. The Greek Cross represented the winds from the four quarters. The American Indians used it to typify the winds which bring rains. The Aztec goddess of rain held a cross in her hand.

The Tau Cross was considered a divine symbol by the ancient Mexicans, who called it the Tree of Life, Tree of our Flesh, Tree of Nutriment. It was later consecrated to the god of rain, and in these representations was frequently given a tree-like form or that of a stem with two branches. Sometimes a bird is depicted standing upon the fork.

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